By Marcus Uhe
A two-month winless drought for Pakenham in Outer East Football Netball Premier Division is finally over, thanks to a 40-point win over Berwick Springs on Saturday afternoon at Mick Morland Reserve.
A third quarter in which the Lions kicked five goals and held the Titans goalless was the major difference in the contest, with Pakenham winning 13.16 94 to 8.6 54.
Outside of the third quarter anomaly, both sides kicked eight goals, but Pakenham’s inaccuracy may paint a more accurate picture of the afternoon’s contest, taking 29 shots to the home side’s 14.
A pair of recent additions to the senior side proved pivotal to the result, with Sam Cachia kicking three goals and Mason Hall two; with Cachia kicking the Lions opening two goals of the match.
Cachia has played six senior games since moving from Toomuc Reserve from Beaconsfield in 2024, with Saturday’s performance one of his best to date, while Hall was in just his third contest at senior level, having made his debut in round eight after consistent performances in the Under 19s.
Sam Kors and Jake Thompson also kicked two for Pakenham, with James Harrison, Tyrell Bignoux and Jordan Stewart among their strongest contributors, as they put four points between themselves and 10th place.
Riley Hillman’s positional switch continues to reap benefits for the Titans, kicking four goals, and Jett Kearney kicked two in the loss.
Justin Markulija, Brent Urwin and Kayden Buseli were all among the Titans’ best.
Gembrook Cockatoo’s highest score of the season was not enough to topple Olinda Ferny creek on the road, going down by 49 points.
12.9 81 was a new season-high for the Brookers, but insufficient in the face of 19.16 130 from the Bloods.
It was the third occasion they have conceded in excess of 100 points this year and their largest conceded score of 2024, thanks to a spread of nine individual goal kickers in red and white jumpers – swings and roundabouts.
The home side extended the lead at every break, with the Brookers unable to make inroads at any stage.
Brodie Walker, Joshua Tilly, Callum Bourne and Patrick Snoxell all offered strong showings for the Brookers, as Olinda Ferny Creek leapfrogged Upwey Tecoma in fourth place.
Wandin put an end to Monbulk’s five game winning streak to move to a nine game unbeaten run of its own, downing the Hawks by 21 points at home.
Woori Yallock, meanwhile, came from behind at half time to get the better of Upwey Tecoma by 14 points, reinforcing their strong ability to rally in third quarters.
